February Is Graphic Novel Month at 1book140: Here's the Reading Schedule

Readers have voted for this month's 1book140's selections, and the results are clear: They love the '80s. All three of the winners initially appeared in that decade. (The only other '80's nominee, The Dark Knight Returns, was the most popular runner-up.) Though the comics scene is growing quickly, there are only a few well-known classics today, and it seems that the voters were drawn to them.

We'll be using a weekly schedule to cover the three winners along with Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics:

• February 6-12: Discuss Understanding Comics using hashtag #1b140_1

• February 13-19: Discuss The Complete Maus: A Survivor's Tale using hashtag #1b140_2

• February 20-26: Discuss V for Vendetta using hashtag #1b140_3

• February 27-March 4: Discuss Sandman Volume 1: Preludes and Nocturnes using hashtag #1b140_4

Several people have started the #1b140_1 discussion early, so feel free to jump in at any time! We'll keep that topic open through next week, since others are waiting for their copy to arrive. It's a non-fiction book without risk of spoilers, though, so it makes a good starting point as we all get caught up. This extra time at the beginning will also give everyone a chance to get through the second book, since you will want to avoid spoilers for weeks two through four.

The discussion already includes everyone from experienced graphic novel readers to beginners, and there is even some healthy cynicism from those who are unconvinced that comics have a place in a book club. It's shaping up to be a fascinating month.